Objective

This project will investigate the recommendation by the IOM to examine the effects of the placement of a surgical mask over a N95 particulate filtering respirator using the Automated Breathing and Metabolic Simulator. A subset of respirators and surgical mask will be tested to compare with a companion field study by the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Project Scope

Select N95 respirators & surgical masks based on the US Strategic National Stockpile and the VA study

Perform tests on each model and type (cup, cup with fit enhancements, cone/duckbill, flat-fold), medium size (or M/L or universal), with and without exhalation valves, with and without surgical masks = 192 tests.

Perform tests on same respirator models and surgical mask as those used in VA field study = 8 tests.

Milestones

Q1 Complete Peer Review

Q2 Purchase Respirators

Q2 Initiate data collection

Q4 Complete data collection

Outputs

Manuscripts published or submitted to peer review journals

Presentations to stakeholders or conferences

Standards committee meetings & public meetings

Combine results with subjective information from VA study

Presentations at scientific meetings - NORA and AIHCe

Future human studies with focus on low performing combinations

Recommendations to CDC for pandemic response

Outcomes

Data are used to revise or support NIOSH / CDC guidance on respiratory protection for healthcare workers and test protocols are considered in the development of ISO and ANSI standards

Page last modified: July 23, 2007
Page last reviewed: July 23, 2007
(archived document)Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)